IMR Press / CEOG / Volume 44 / Issue 6 / DOI: 10.12891/ceog4380.2017

Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology (CEOG) is published by IMR Press from Volume 47 Issue 1 (2020). Previous articles were published by another publisher on a subscription basis, and they are hosted by IMR Press on imrpress.com as a courtesy and upon agreement with S.O.G.

Case Report
Amelioration of severe generalized idiopathic pruritus in an estrogen deficient woman taking an aromatase inhibitor for breast cancer following treatment with amphetamine salts
J.H. Check1, 2, *R. Cohen1, 2
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1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University Camden, NJ, USA
2 Cooper Institute for Reproductive and Hormonal Disorders, P.C., Mt. laurel, NJ, USA
Clin. Exp. Obstet. Gynecol. 2017, 44(6), 934–935; https://doi.org/10.12891/ceog4380.2017
Published: 10 December 2017
Abstract

Purpose: To determine if treating with dextroamphetamine sulfate can relieve severe generalized idiopathic pruritus in an estrogen deficient woman taking an aromatase inhibitor for breast cancer. Materials and Methods: Dextroamphetamine sulfate 15 mg extended release capsules (as part of amphetamine salts) was prescribed. Results: Within one week the pruritus was completely dissipated and remained under total control for two months. She stopped the medication and the severe pruritus returned in three days. Resuming the amphetamine, the symptoms disappeared again and she has remained completely without symptoms for ten additional months while on medicine. Conclusions: It is not clear if the estrogen deficiency caused the pruritus by producing dry skin. Nevertheless, if a woman with estrogen deficiency complains of pruritus, but estrogen therapy is contraindicated, the treating physician could consider treating with dextroamphetamine sulfate. Of course this could be attempted in women with normal estrogen who have idiopathic pruritus in the absence of any noticeable skin lesions if other remediable causes, e.g., scabies, has been excluded.
Keywords
Estrogen deficiency
Aromatase inhibitor
Dextroamphetamine sulfate
Breast cancer
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